The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, following Pakistan’s decision to back Bangladesh’s stance on boycotting matches in India, sources told Geo News.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with matches planned in India and Sri Lanka.
According to sources, the Pakistan team management will be briefed soon on the future course of action. Officials have also been instructed to prepare a contingency plan in case Pakistan opts not to participate in the tournament.
Pakistan has formally expressed full support for Bangladesh’s decision, terming Dhaka’s security concerns about travelling to India as “reasonable and valid”. Sources said Islamabad could reconsider its own participation if the matter regarding Bangladesh’s safety is not resolved.
Earlier reports indicated that Pakistan was already reviewing its stance on the tournament, while insiders stressed that no country should be pressured or threatened over hosting obligations.
On January 11, the PCB offered to host Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches in Pakistan if Sri Lankan venues were unavailable. Officials said Pakistani stadiums are fully prepared, citing the successful hosting of recent international events including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Women’s Qualifier.
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland (CI) dismissed speculation about changes to its fixtures, confirming that Ireland’s group-stage matches would remain in Sri Lanka.
“We’ve received definitive assurances that we will not move from the original schedule,” a Cricket Ireland official said.
A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation is expected by January 21, following talks between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in Dhaka.
While Bangladesh has reiterated its willingness to compete, it has requested that matches be held outside India, proposing Sri Lanka as an alternative venue. However, the ICC has maintained that the original schedule will remain unchanged, with Bangladesh placed in Group C.
Bangladesh’s opening match is scheduled against West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two more group fixtures at the same venue, before concluding in Mumbai.
The ICC has also informed the BCB that there is no specific security threat to the Bangladesh team. In the event of a withdrawal, Scotland is currently next in line as a replacement based on ICC rankings.